Votive candleholders can be used as place cards. Purchase unimprinted votive holders. Add clear or decorative computer generated labels, or print names on with a paint pen (gold or silver look best). Most computer software programs now have a calligraphic font, which creates a wonderful formal look.

This looks great on tables at Weddings, Reunions, Retirements – any occasion. The paint pen color can be used to match the colors of your event, or add mini pictures to match your theme (palm tree or flamingo for a Luau; Pumpkin for Halloween, etc).

Another option for unique placecards – picture frames. Place a frame at each place setting, and use the frames as placecards. Using white or colored paper, create a placecard for each guest using a fancy font in your computer. As an alternative, print names with colorful markers or paint pens, or paint names with watercolor or acrylic paint. Cut each piece of paper to fit the frame. The effect on the table is beautiful.

If you will not have assigned seating, and will not be using name placecards, put a special message inside each frame. A heartfelt thank you poem from the guest of honor to each guest (weddings are a perfect occasion for this), a funny limerick or poem about a guest of honor, the menu for the evening, or your party slogan would look great filling the frame.